Quepos & Manuel Antonio · Costa Rica
Surfing Quepos Jetty
A point break in Quepos & Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica, for intermediate surfers.
- TypePoint Break
- LevelIntermediate
- Size2-5 ft
- Best monthsMay-Nov
- Crowd1/5
The wave
Quepos Jetty is a wave the record should remember more than the forecast: it used to peel point-like into the rivermouth, a fun, wrapping left that was the town's own spot, before the building of the Pez Vela marina killed it. The structure that brought Quepos its sport-fishing money took the wave with it, and today the jetty is a piece of surf history rather than a session.
The only spot left breaking in town is now the occasional Quepos Bombie, a slab out off the point. For rideable waves you're better heading to Boca Damas or south to Dominical.
Included here for completeness, the jetty is a reminder of how quickly a wave can disappear under development. If you're passing through Quepos, appreciate the marina's convenience, the flights, the boats, the restaurants, but don't come expecting the point that once was.
9.43, -84.16 · Big swell only (historic) · Open in Google Maps
When to surf Quepos Jetty
Quepos Jetty is at its best from May to November. Conditions it likes: Big swell only (historic). This is how the year looks across Central Puntarenas:
| Months | Verdict | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| December to April | Good | Short dry season, cleaner, sunnier, but smaller than the summer swell |
| May to July | Prime | Green season S-SW groundswell fires Dominical and the points; offshore mornings |
| August to October | Prime | Peak, most consistent S-SW swell, and the wettest, greenest months |
| Nov | Quiet | Transition, heavy rains and swell easing into the dry season |
Waves near Quepos Jetty
| Wave | Area | Type | Level | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quepos Bombie | Quepos & Manuel Antonio | Reef Break | Advanced / Pro | 4 km |
| Playitas | Quepos & Manuel Antonio | Beach Break | Beginner / Intermediate | 5 km |
| Boca Damas | Quepos & Manuel Antonio | Beach Break | Intermediate | 6 km |
| Playa El Rey | Quepos & Manuel Antonio | Beach Break | Intermediate | 10 km |
| Playa Matapalo | Quepos & Manuel Antonio | Beach Break | Beginner / Intermediate | 24 km |
| Playa Dominical | Dominical & Uvita | Beach Break | Intermediate / Advanced | 38 km |
Straight-line distances. By road it is usually further.
Getting there and staying around Quepos & Manuel Antonio
Transport, costs and the rest of the waves in the area are in the Quepos & Manuel Antonio surf guide →
A week here costs from about $794 with flights from Europe, or around $1,712 travelling comfortably. See other surf trips under $1,000 →
Quepos Jetty: common questions
When is the best time to surf Quepos Jetty?
Quepos Jetty works best from May to November. Ideal conditions: Big swell only (historic).
Is Quepos Jetty good for beginners?
No. Quepos Jetty is a wave for intermediate surfers. The closest beginner-friendly spot we cover is Playitas in Quepos & Manuel Antonio, about 5 km away.
How crowded is Quepos Jetty?
Quepos Jetty is usually empty: 1 out of 5 on our crowd scale.
Where is Quepos Jetty?
Quepos Jetty is in Quepos & Manuel Antonio, in the Central Puntarenas region of Costa Rica (9.43, -84.16). The nearest wave we cover is Quepos Bombie, about 4 km away.
Last updated October 2026. Seasons, costs and conditions change, so check the details before you book.
One strange surf spot a week
The Lineup: one strange surf spot each week, from hippos on the beach in Gabon to lefts under the volcanoes of Kamchatka. Free, and nothing else lands in your inbox.